Acupuncture is a therapeutic method used to decrease or relieve pain, encourage healing, and to improve function of affected areas of the body. Acupuncture involves the insertion of very fine needles through the skin and tissues at specific points in the body, which have been empirically proven effective in the treatment of specific disorders. These points have been mapped by the Chinese over a period of 2000 years. Recently their location has been confirmed by electromagnetic research.

This treatment stimulates the body to produce endorphins, the body's own pain relieving chemical. This can increase energy and stimulate the body's own natural healing abilities. Acupuncture is widely used to treat both acute and chronic injuries including low back pain, ankle sprains, tendonitis, and nerve pain.

Do the needles hurt? People experience acupuncture needling differently. Some patients feel minimal pain as the needles are inserted; many feel no pain at all. Once the needles are in place, there is no pain felt. Acupuncture needles are very thin and solid and are made from stainless steel. The point is smooth (not hollow with cutting edges like a hypodermic needle) and insertion through the skin is not as painful as injections or blood sampling. The risk of bruising and skin irritation is less than when using a hollow needle. Because the needles are sterile and disposable, there is no risk of infection from the treatments.